MONTPELIER — Gov. Peter Shumlin has appointed the husband of the late state Sen. Sally Fox to replace her in the Vermont Senate.

Michael Sirotkin, of South Burlington, will take his seat in the 30-member chamber Feb. 11.

Shumlin noted that Fox, who died of cancer Jan. 10, had asked that her husband replace her in the Senate. The governor said he’s honoring that request.

Sirotkin has been an attorney and lobbyist with the Montpelier firm Sirotkin and Necrason, where he focused on consumer and labor issues, affordable housing and land conservation. Sirotkin said he will cease lobbying activities and is selling his interest in the firm.